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Patients having being diagnosed with liver problems and possibly recommended for a transplant have many questions about the transplant process, below are listed some of the more common questions that are usually asked.
PLEASE NOTE ! We are not able to answer personal questions about medication, medical procedures etc, these MUST be referred back to your consultants. The Q. A .section below, are not expressed or endorsed by the support group, merely for your guidance only. (E&OE Omitted).
Q . What is a liver transplant?
A . A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to remove a diseased liver and replace it with a healthy liver from a donor. Most liver transplant operations use livers from deceased donors.
Q. Will I need to take medication after a transplant?.
A. You will be taking a number of medications after your liver transplant, many for the rest of your life. Drugs called immunosuppressants help keep your immune system from attacking your new liver.
Q. Can I go on holiday abroad after a transplant?
A Yes you can holiday abroad, but it is always advisable to contact the liver unit to confirm that you are ok to travel and to advise on unsafe destinations that are unable to give medical assistance to transplanted patients, some companies may request written confirmation that you are fit to travel.
If you need a vaccination for your holidays, some vaccinations cannot be given after having a transplant. Please see section in main menu under vaccinations.
Q Can I eat what I want after a transplant?
A Generally speaking you can, unless you have some other underlying medical condition. The only thing you have to be made aware of is Grapefruit or Grapefruit juice, this is not allowed to be taken as it can reduce the effectiveness of your immunosuppressive drugs.
Q Can I find out where my liver came from and about my donor?
A Yes, this can only be done through the Transplant Co-ordinators, certain things will not be made available due to patient confidentiality, for more information see DONORS in menu on main heading.
Q Do patients get confused with liver disease?
A With severe disease the liver cannot remove waste products and these can be carried to the brain.
Symptoms can range from, minor lapses of memory, slurred speech, confusion and in severe cases can cause unconsciousness.
Q Is cirrhosis only caused by alcohol abuse?
A No. It is a popular misconception that cirrhosis only affects people who drink too much alcohol over the years. In fact there are many children with liver disorders. However alcohol abuse is a common contributory factor - a fact that is always well publicised.
Q How long will I have to wait for my transplant?
A This is a difficult question to answer, it depends on how severe your liver condition is and other factors, and dependent on your condition how soon a liver will become available.
Q How long will I be in hospital?
A Again this is a difficult question to answer, it could be a matter of 5 or 6 days or a few weeks. A lot depends if you have any other underlying illness and how well the new liver takes to settle down and also to get the balance of your medication correct.
Q Do people with liver disease have difficulty obtaining travel/medical insurance?
A This can be a problem during liver illness and indeed after you have had a transplant. Do not take the risk and travel without any insurance cover. Check with your consultant to see if you are fit to travel, this is always a worthwhile thing to do even after a few years after transplant. The prices can vary quite drastically, so always get several quotes.
There are companies listed in the main menu under travel insurance. PLEASE NOTE: These are not endorsed by the support group or have any connection with them. They are there purely as a guid line for you, as a lot of them specialise in medical conditions.
Q Will I need constant checkups after a transplant?
A Yes, you will need regular checkups after your transplant, as a general rule for the first 13 weeks after your transplant you will be under the Surgeons, after that you will be referred back to the consultants. Initially after the transplant the visits will be very frequent, then later on usually 3, 6, or 12 monthly intervals depending on your condition.
Q Can I still have a drink after a transplant?
A As with any liver, alcohol can have a detrimental effect on it. Therefore the best advice is to abstain from alcohol, you have been given a second chance dont waste it.
You can live without ALCOHOL You cannot live without a LIVER.
Q I have been told that I am more susceptable to skin cancer?
A After the transplant you will be on Immunosuppressants (Anti Rejection Drugs) these lower your body's immune system and you are indeed more prone to skin cancer. Always wear a high SPF sunblock (50) and avoid the midday sun, generally be more aware of the sun's rays and keep in the shade on really hot and sunny days, especially if abroad. | 
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